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3rd out of 392 books
—
549 voters
The Night Before Christmas
Who's that peeking out of the sleigh?
As St. Nick and eight tiny reindeer descend through a brilliant night sky onto the roof of a Victorian house in a snowy New England village, the famous Christmas poem begins. The father of the family narrates the words just as Clement Moore wrote them, and artist Jan Brett captures the spirit in brilliant illustrations that reflect thi...more
As St. Nick and eight tiny reindeer descend through a brilliant night sky onto the roof of a Victorian house in a snowy New England village, the famous Christmas poem begins. The father of the family narrates the words just as Clement Moore wrote them, and artist Jan Brett captures the spirit in brilliant illustrations that reflect thi...more
Hardcover, 32 pages
Published
October 28th 1998
by G.P. Putnam's Sons
(first published January 1st 1869)
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At what age did you stop believing in Santa Claus? Last Christmas, I still had to buy something for my daughter and wrote “From: Santa Claus” on the gift tag because she still believed in him. She was 16.
This morning while I was about to drop her at the gate of her school, she again borrowed the rosary hanging on the rearview mirror of my car. The rosary was a gift from my friend who attended the World Youth’s Day in Brazil this year so I am proud of it and taking care of it. The beads are made...more
This morning while I was about to drop her at the gate of her school, she again borrowed the rosary hanging on the rearview mirror of my car. The rosary was a gift from my friend who attended the World Youth’s Day in Brazil this year so I am proud of it and taking care of it. The beads are made...more
'Twas the Night before Christmas' is a beautiful holiday poem that was written by Dr. Clement C. Moore for his children as a Christmas present. It was reprinted many times over and wasn't what Moore thought would make him famous... but it did. It's been translated in many languages and continues to be recited to children all over the world.
Much to my chagrin, this is the first time I've read/heard this poem in its entirety, but I'll be sure to read it every holiday season moving forward. Beauti...more
Much to my chagrin, this is the first time I've read/heard this poem in its entirety, but I'll be sure to read it every holiday season moving forward. Beauti...more
3 likes · like · see review
Jun 14, 2008
Kathie Meyer
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
All ages
Shelves:
winter-reading
This is a very biased review since I know the illustrator personally and was a model for one of the elves that appear in the book. My very special kitty, Larry, is pictured in the Christmas stocking at the end too. In fact, Watson used all real people to model for Santa, the elves and the family in the story, and he set the book in Port Townsend, Wash. where he lives. The clocktower is our actual courthouse in town.
Having said all of that...I think this is one of the most wonderfully illustrated...more
Having said all of that...I think this is one of the most wonderfully illustrated...more
6 likes · like · see review
After smoking away for 189 years Santa gives up the pipe and is no longer depicted as having a wreath of smoke around his head - all a good thing in the era when we are doing so much to try and get our kids or grandkids not to start smoking. Twas The Night Before Christmas was written by Clement C. Moore in 1822 on a sleigh ride home from Greenwich Village with his nine children on Christmas Eve. It has gone on to become the most famous poem in the English language. That is now is offered in a s...more
Summary: This classic narrative poem tells the story of one man's encounter with the mythical "Santa". He watches the rituals that Santa performs while leaving gifts for the children.
Critique: One of the reasons this remains an enduring classic is the sing-song 11 beat rhythm and aa/bb rhyme scheme. Not to mention the theme of joyful magnanimity.
Example: As he sets the scene of a sleeping household, he rhymes 'beds' and 'heads' and 'cap' and nap'. Continuing with the single beat rhyme to the end...more
Critique: One of the reasons this remains an enduring classic is the sing-song 11 beat rhythm and aa/bb rhyme scheme. Not to mention the theme of joyful magnanimity.
Example: As he sets the scene of a sleeping household, he rhymes 'beds' and 'heads' and 'cap' and nap'. Continuing with the single beat rhyme to the end...more
Nov 05, 2012
Lacey Luce
added it
The Night Before Christmas
By Clement Moore
Moore , C. (1998). The night before christmas. New York: Putnam Juvenile.
1. Poetry
2. This is the classic poem of T’was the Night before Christmas. Ol St Nick comes for a visit to bring boys and girls lots of presents. This is the classic household known poem that will touch hearts for years to come.
3. Illustrations
b. Illustrations are simplistically drawn. They complement the story while at the same time do not take away from the story. The pictures ar...more
By Clement Moore
Moore , C. (1998). The night before christmas. New York: Putnam Juvenile.
1. Poetry
2. This is the classic poem of T’was the Night before Christmas. Ol St Nick comes for a visit to bring boys and girls lots of presents. This is the classic household known poem that will touch hearts for years to come.
3. Illustrations
b. Illustrations are simplistically drawn. They complement the story while at the same time do not take away from the story. The pictures ar...more
This is a beautiful Christmas poem written by Clement Clarke Moore. I heard this on an audio book from gutenberg project and then also read the text from an e-book. The audiobook was in a sweet voice of a kid stopping and stumbling over some of the complex words.
Brought up in a Hindu house and an environment where many religions live and thrive together, for me Christmas has always been when some people in my neighborhood sang songs in the night and then around midnight a fat guy dressed in all...more
Brought up in a Hindu house and an environment where many religions live and thrive together, for me Christmas has always been when some people in my neighborhood sang songs in the night and then around midnight a fat guy dressed in all...more
1 like · like · see review
This was a good book that brought back memories as a child. I read this book to my nephew Cade. I chose this story because the holidays around the corner and I wanted to get him excited about Christmas. The night before christmas stories are all the same, but this one was cool because every time you turn a page holiday music plays. Cade loved that part about the book, but I honestly found it annoying. Luckily there is a stop button in the bottom right corner of the book. The part of this story I...more
Descriptions of human sacrifice and the power of blood magic are commonplace throughout history, but one — Clement Clarke Moore’s ‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS — takes place on the eve of a holiday that most consider a time of joy, happiness and generosity. This makes a poem that would be unsettling in any circumstances an intense, dark and enduring tale of supernatural horror.
Set on the eve of the eponymous Christian feast day, the book begins innocently enough, with a desperately poor fami...more
Set on the eve of the eponymous Christian feast day, the book begins innocently enough, with a desperately poor fami...more
2 likes · like · see review
How many decades ago did I memorize this poem, "Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash...." Does any kid now hearing this know what a "sash" is, not to mention a chimney etc. "As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly...": now as we await the wet leaves--and yacht boating boots--of the Republicans at their national convention hall in Tampa, a full foot above sea level at least: has anyone ever seen DRY leaves flying before a hurricane?
Sounds like someone from NY who has never seen a...more
Sounds like someone from NY who has never seen a...more
1 like · like · see review
This poem describes in wonderful detail the arrival of St. Nicholas on the night before Christmas. The children dream of sugarplums, but in the meantime, the dad hears a noise on the lawn made by St. Nick. He arrives at the house and leaves toys for the family. The dad observes him in the process, pointing out his rosy cheeks and cherry-like nose. This poem is all about the details, while that may be enjoyable for some people it may be harder to get children interested in a book that doesn’t tel...more
I had never read this before, I'm pretty sure - we certainly never had a copy in our house nor any pre-Christmas tradition of reading it, nothing like that. Probably my primary school had an old copy but I don't think I was too interested. So this was a new reading experience for me, one I approached without any memories or sense of nostalgia to guide me. I got it because it's such a classic, and I believe it's the origin of Santa's sleigh and reindeer (which are named), though don't quote me on...more
My addition doesn't seem to be the same as this book seems to be listed. However, goodreads.com says it is and won't let me add an addition. Oh well. I have had my copy of this famous poem since I was very young. For me, this book brings back several memories and I still imagine Santa as looking like the illustration from this book.
As a child, all I saw was the illustration and since it is great, it was easy to remember. As an adult, I can appreciate the two page addition, written by Paul Harve...more
As a child, all I saw was the illustration and since it is great, it was easy to remember. As an adult, I can appreciate the two page addition, written by Paul Harve...more
I have read a version of this poem with my son every Christmas Eve since he was born, and when I found this version with the DVD narrated by Jim Dale with music from the Boston Pops Orchestra, I had to share this one with him as well. (We are both fans of Jim Dale, myself from his reading of the Harry Potter books and both of us for his narration of Pushing Daisies.). Jan Brett's attention to detail in her illustration does not disappoint, and I think it possible to spend hours looking for hidde...more
When I was growing up, my Granny would read Twas the Night Before Christmas to me each evening before bed. It's one of my most cherished and favorite memories of the Christmases from my childhood. Not only was this new edition a wonderful reminder of those times, but the artwork was absolutely beautiful. And, while this book has been edited to be more friendly for today's children, I didn't feel that anything was lost from the story - it still gave me that feeling of awe that only the thoughts o...more
I collect TNBC books (I have 101 so far!) but this version by Jan Brett is my new favorite. Brilliantly colored pictures sweep you immediately back to childhood... just one look at the Christmas tree page and even if it's July, you'll feel the holiday spirit, I promise!
1 like · like · see review
Dec 07, 2009
Kathryn
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
childrens-picture-books,
christmas
Although she is a little "commercial" I still absolutely love Becky Kelly's art and she did not disappoint with these charming illustrations. Adorable to the max, especially with all the little creatures (mice!) and sweet toys that seem to come to life.
Admittedly, putting a book that is a single poem could smack a little of fraud when it comes to a reading challenge, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity of reading this classic Christmas poem as I've never read it before.
Clements C. Moore provided a beautiful and fitting description of the magic of Christmas and of Santa himself... Even down to the "little round belly, that shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly."
I managed to get an illustrated version of this poem for free for the Ki...more
Clements C. Moore provided a beautiful and fitting description of the magic of Christmas and of Santa himself... Even down to the "little round belly, that shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly."
I managed to get an illustrated version of this poem for free for the Ki...more
This is amazing. When I saw this one the list of recommended reads for the Memoria Press Third Grade, I thought surely it is not necessary as I already have two other versions by other illustrations, more whimsical than this black and white. But then when I got it out at the library, boy did I discover a treasure. I will have to look for this one to buy. The first page has a little historical note about the original presentation of the Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas, now known to us as The...more
Definitely a good version of this! It was also a really good move using the actual Red Lion Inn in the Berkshires as a prototype for the house. Her conceptions of reindeer, toys, Christmas ornamentation, hats, children, snow, sky and fuzzy furries galore are tremendous.
If I have a criticism, it would be that she doesn't show Santa smoking his pipe and letting the father know he had nothing to dread, but instead she pans out to the roof to see the reindeer getting in trouble. This is interesting...more
If I have a criticism, it would be that she doesn't show Santa smoking his pipe and letting the father know he had nothing to dread, but instead she pans out to the roof to see the reindeer getting in trouble. This is interesting...more
This fairy tale of the famous Santa Clause and flying reindeer is a perfect story for getting children in the holiday mood. Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. When I was younger reading "The Night Before Christmas" was always a tradition in my family. When considering stories for students in a classroom, this fairy tale is often avoided due to the taboo topic of religion; however, I believe it is a great story from my childhood. There is a lot of fun literary elements such as rhyming...more
This book tells the classic story of The Night Before Christmas, but with special cut outs and a beautiful pop-up finale. I really liked this book, because it tells a story that children know and love with a beautiful addition to it. The illustrations are done in mostly black and white, and are very beautiful. Beyond that, the cut out sections in them allow one illustration to illustrate two sections of the story just by turning the page. Last but not least, the pop-up finale is very intricate a...more
Twas the night before Christmas
Moore's classic poem is brought to life by the illustrations. In fact that is what drew my attention to this particular version. Moore is able to paint a picture in your head as he describes Santa Clause and his actions by using similes such as “belly full of jelly”. Also the metaphors that are used to describe the scene for example “not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse”. The illustrations cover the pages and the text is placed through out. The illustratio...more
Moore's classic poem is brought to life by the illustrations. In fact that is what drew my attention to this particular version. Moore is able to paint a picture in your head as he describes Santa Clause and his actions by using similes such as “belly full of jelly”. Also the metaphors that are used to describe the scene for example “not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse”. The illustrations cover the pages and the text is placed through out. The illustratio...more
Nov 08, 2012
Samantha
rated it
2 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
christmas,
picture-books
An edited version of the traditional Christmas poem that omits the stanza about Santa smoking. Does the poem read that much differently? No. Did children dwell on Santa's smoking habits in previous editions? Probably not. Will some parents prefer this version? Some, yes. All, no.
This edition won't make it to the top of my favorite Christmas books, and I'll probably always prefer the traditional verse, but what most bugged me about this book was the artwork. Santa looks weird. He's kinda skinny...more
This edition won't make it to the top of my favorite Christmas books, and I'll probably always prefer the traditional verse, but what most bugged me about this book was the artwork. Santa looks weird. He's kinda skinny...more
Engineered Books
This classic version of the story of the night before Christmas is turned into a pop-up book. I read this with my children each year on Christmas Eve and they love working the different pop-up elements. This book tells the story of the family going to bed and hearing St. Nicholas landing in the yard and coming into the house to deliver the presents.
This book could be read to your students on the last day of school before Christmas break. You just have to make sure that every stu...more
This classic version of the story of the night before Christmas is turned into a pop-up book. I read this with my children each year on Christmas Eve and they love working the different pop-up elements. This book tells the story of the family going to bed and hearing St. Nicholas landing in the yard and coming into the house to deliver the presents.
This book could be read to your students on the last day of school before Christmas break. You just have to make sure that every stu...more
In honor of St. Nicks day! Originally titled "A Visit from Saint Nicholas"
Growing up my father would read this book to my sister and me every Christmas Eve. It’s the same copy my Grandfather would read my Dad and Aunt every Christmas.
It's a very old and cherished copy with the original "Happy Christmas to all and to all a goodnight" Both my sister and I always search for copies of this book with the proper last line, which is often times very difficult to find in newer editions of the book. I’...more
Growing up my father would read this book to my sister and me every Christmas Eve. It’s the same copy my Grandfather would read my Dad and Aunt every Christmas.
It's a very old and cherished copy with the original "Happy Christmas to all and to all a goodnight" Both my sister and I always search for copies of this book with the proper last line, which is often times very difficult to find in newer editions of the book. I’...more
Dec 24, 2010
Paige
rated it
2 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Childrens
Recommended to Paige by:
1st grade teacher
Shelves:
childhood-favorites
Illustrations were awesome, but I didn't like that fact that it showed Santa Clause smoking on a pipe in a children's book.
I try to read this every year as it never fails to return me to my 5-year-old self, filled with excitement over the great and powerful Santa's impending visit. The catchy rhythm and rhyme of this delightful poem is contagious. I used to repeat it often as a child until the first lines were branded into my brain:
It always leaves me with a warm and satisfied glow as I read the last words:...more
''Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.'
It always leaves me with a warm and satisfied glow as I read the last words:...more
Dec 16, 2010
Slayermel
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Parents of young children and Preschool Teachers
Most people are familiar with “The Night before Christmas” it’s one of the Classics. This is a child’s picture book to go along with the poem. The illustrations are wonderful, and some of them are quite clever. I particularly enjoyed the picture of the console in Santa’s supped up slay. There are buttons for de-icing, going fast, faster and zoom, a hot chocolate machine and a map of the world. The children in my class where quite fascinated with the pictures in this book, they particularly enjoy...more
This is a real Christmas classic! I have a copy of this from my childhood and remember reading it every Christmas Eve so this Christmas I was determined to read it with DS. Unfortunately I couldn't find my copy in time (my Dad is getting sent up the loft again to search soon) but I was pleased to find a text version free for my Kindle on Amazon.
It was great fun to read even without pictures. As I knew it so well I was able to read it with lots of excitement and DS definitely caught on (as did DH...more
It was great fun to read even without pictures. As I knew it so well I was able to read it with lots of excitement and DS definitely caught on (as did DH...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Books, New Re...: December - A Christmas Carol | 70 | 66 | Jan 25, 2013 05:17am | |
| EDCI 325 Fall 2012: Night Before Christmas | 1 | 3 | Oct 17, 2012 10:44am | |
| Teachers' Book Club: Vocabulary and Word Choice | 1 | 7 | Dec 15, 2011 04:07pm |
Clement Clarke Moore, (July 15, 1779 – July 10, 1863), is best known as the credited author of A Visit From St. Nicholas (more commonly known today as Twas the Night Before Christmas).
Clement C. Moore was more famous in his own day as a professor of Oriental and Greek literature at Columbia College (now Columbia University) and at General Theological Seminary, who compiled a two volume Hebrew dict...more
More about Clement Clarke Moore...
Clement C. Moore was more famous in his own day as a professor of Oriental and Greek literature at Columbia College (now Columbia University) and at General Theological Seminary, who compiled a two volume Hebrew dict...more
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10 trivia questions
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2 quizzes
Do I believe? Of course! There are Santa Clauses and Mrs.Clauses everywhere.
Nov 12, 2012 09:05am
Nov 12, 2012 12:58pm